But the slow recovery from the inflamed knee means Nadal has been trying to lower expectations as he uses three Latin American clay-court tournaments to prepare for a run at an eighth French Open title.

Nadal has practiced in Chile wearing a white bandage around his knee. ''The bandage is normal and is part of the treatment,'' his coach said. Nadal will be watched closely in doubles on Tuesday, which is meant to give him extra playing time on top of his matches in singles.

His uncle has called the small Chilean tournament ''our first French Open.''

''His game is much better than when we got here,'' Toni Nadal said.

''It was better yesterday and even better today. We're looking to the doubles as an added test.''